Beijing, Kuala Lumpur to develop patrol ships

China and Malaysia have agreed to jointly develop and build a littoral mission vessel for the latter's naval forces, signifying deeper defense cooperation between the two Asian nations.

The deal, witnessed by Premier Li Keqiang and his Malaysian counterpart, Najib Razak, was signed on Tuesday in Beijing.

According to Najib, the first two of the littoral mission ships Malaysia purchases from China would be built in China, with two then built in Malaysia. Further Malaysian-built ships would be subject to government financing. "This deal will enhance the Malaysian shipbuilding and defense industry," he said in a written article.